Reaching and Mobility Aids for Independent Living
The freedom to move from place to place in your home and out in the community is critical to independence. If you have problems with movement, balance or coordination, there are a number of devices that may help you get around and accomplish everyday activities. Here are suggestions for devices to help with reaching, lifting and walking.
REACHING AIDS
Pushing, pulling, grasping, and turning are movements that can be easier for you with a reaching aid. The models discussed here have been designed to cover a wide range of activities and will help people with a weak or painful grip, or a limited range of motion.
The most common reachers consist of a pair of jaws controlled by a trigger mechanism. Made of lightweight aluminum and plastic, they are available in a variety of sizes and lengths. The desk-sized model, about 24" long, is useful for retrieving objects on your desk, kitchen counter, or bedside table. A mid-range length, about 28" long, is useful for everyday activities such as picking up objects from the floor or reaching high storage areas. An extra-long model (32") is also available if you need extended reach. Features you'll find useful include a magnet for catching and holding metal objects, and a projecting lug for pulling things toward you. Folding styles and reachers with toggle (rather than trigger) closing action, swivel heads, or forearm extension are also available.
Prices vary widely, depending on the size and features. Reachers are generally available at most medical supply stores.
WALKING AIDS
Mobility can be complicated by many factors, such as pain and weakness in the legs or back, uncertain balance or dizziness, muscular tremors or spasms, or paralysis. There are a variety of changes in your environment, as well as canes and walkers, that can enhance your mobility in and out of your home.
MODIFY YOUR HOME
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
CANES
Although canes can be purchased at many drugstores, you should consult with your doctor if you are having frequent or pronounced periods of weakness, dizziness, or poor coordination.
Consider the following factors in selecting a cane:
Other options available include a loop on the handle of the cane, to free you hands for other activities, and a fold-down ice gripping tip, which can be attached to the side of the cane.
WALKERS
The walker is particularly useful for individuals with balance problems, since it affords support through both arms at a fixed distance. Walkers come in a wide variety of handle styles. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for help in making a selection.
GRAB BARS
Grab bars make the most of your strength by giving you extra support when and where you need it, such as climbing in and out of the bathtub, your bed, or negotiating a flight of stairs.
A grab bar looks like a towel rack, but that's where the similarity ends. A grab bar is designed to be strong enough to support your weight and more. Flanges on the ends of the bar have sturdy screws for installation, preferably into wall studs. There is room between the bar and the wall for you to get a good grip, and the diameter of the bar will feel solid in you hand. Made of plastic or rust resistant metal, the bar may have a rough surface to prevent slipping. Many shapes and sizes are available for different uses; most are wall-mounted, but some attach to the edge of your bathtub.
Some considerations in selecting a grab bar:
Grab bars can be purchased at plumbing supply outlets, some department and hardware stores, and at medical/surgical supply stores. If you can't find one to suit your needs, some companies will custom design a bar for a somewhat higher price. Alternatively, you may be able to combine standard bars in sequence to give you the support you need.
Vendors:
AAA Medical